Optimizing the Process Variables for Extracting Seeds of Cassia Tora by Plackett-Burman Design and Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity

The purpose of the present study was to develop an optimized process for extracting seeds of Cassia tora, and evaluate its antibacterial activity. Plackett-Burman design was employed for extracting Cassia tora with the type of apparatus used (X1), powder size, (X2), duration of extraction (X3), type of water for extraction (X4), method of removal of solvent (X5), and method of drying the extract (X6) as independent variables. The percentage yield was considered as dependent variable. The main effect and interaction terms were quantitatively evaluated using a mathematical model. The results indicate that X1 and X2 significantly affected the percentage yield. But the use of different types of water was nonsignificant. Regression analysis and numerical optimization were performed to identify the best method. The predicted values agreed well with the experimental values, and the results demonstrate the practicability of the model in the development of extraction process. Antibacterial evaluation revealed that aqueous extract was more effective and S. aureus was the most susceptible organism. The present study supports the use of aqueous extracts of Cassia tora seeds for treating bacterial infection and skin diseases like psoriasis.